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Beit Midrash
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Yerushalayim is mentioned many hundreds of times in Tanach but never by name in the Torah. P’sukim from Parashat Ki Tavo demonstrate the Torah’s code words for what would prove to be Yerushalayim, and why those words were chosen. The term "the place that Hashem will choose" is stressed in Devarim 12. It does not explain, though, what the place is and what is special about it. As our teacher, Nechama (Leibowitz), taught us, we will find the instructive word(s) that hold the key.
The letters sin/shin mem are found eleven times in the most central section of the description of a place for Hashem’s Presence to dwell and the place to worship Him (Devarim 12:5-14), with different forms and meanings – sham, shama (there); shmo (His Name), lasum (to place). The word makom (place) appears three times. We find these words/roots in Devarim 16, regarding the Pascal lamb, as well as in our parasha (Devarim 26:1-2). These words’ appearance regarding Yaakov’s dream in Sefer Bereishit likely tipped off Chazal and many commentaries to identify the location as Yerushalayim.
Makom can refer to a geographical place, but Chazal also saw it as a reference to Hashem. In the context of Yaakov’s dream, a midrash explains it as Yaakov praying to Hashem (Bereishit Rabba 68:9). It explains that He is called a makom (place) because He is the makom of the world, and the world is not His makom (does not delineate Him). This powerful word, then, teaches that one needs to find the physical place behind the spiritual phenomenon, especially the "meeting" with Hashem.
The words sham, shama, shem, and shmo are also profound. One can argue that the word shamayim (heaven) is the plural of the word sham (there). It can mean that from a geographical perspective, it is "there," i.e., not on the land, and in the spiritual context, it is a reference to Hashem, for when we want to "meet" with Him, we turn to the heavens. The place of the Mikdash in Yerushalayim is the makom where the physical land meets the spiritual shamayim. Therefore, when David found out the special quality of this location, he understood that this is the place to build the Beit Hamikdash. That is why in the section of Tanach in which we see how the location is chosen, it says: "David raised his eyes and saw the angel of Hashem standing between the land and the sky " (Divrei Hayamim I, 21:16).
The task of the Beit Hamikdash is to connect, especially between Hashem and Am Yisrael. Yerushalayim functions on two levels, Yerushalayim of above and Yerushalayim of below (see Tehillim 122:3). It also connects the whole Nation of Israel, at every time and in every place. Let us join in "building the Mikdash" by uniting Am Yisrael. Let us stress that which connects us, and handle our disagreements with mutual respect and unbounded love.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
